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The Armed Forces Academy has officially denied the accusations of the Democratic Party against the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, regarding dual employment and financial benefits as a lecturer. In a detailed response, the military institution emphasizes that Begaj has not had any active teaching engagement after taking office as President and that the payments mentioned by the DP are arrears for work performed during the years 2013–2018.
The Academy's reaction comes two days after the statement of Gazment Bardhi, who on behalf of the Democratic Party submitted to the Assembly the request to initiate the procedure for the dismissal of the President. Among the 7 alleged violations, one was related to Begaj's engagement as a lecturer at the AFA and illegal financial benefits, which the DP considers a violation of the prohibition of dual employment for the head of state.
In its response, the Armed Forces Academy states: " The Armed Forces Academy denies all allegations of recent days regarding payments made to the President of the Republic of Albania, at the same time the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bajram Begaj. The President, in his previous functions as a military doctor, has been part of military scientific research teams together with an academic staff of 15 professors and has been engaged in leading the scientific topics of the third cycle of studies (Doctorate) in the period 2013 - 2018 at the AFA ."
Following the statement, the Academy clarified that the payments were made years later, as financial obligations to academic staff for the relevant period had not been settled for a long time. The payments were made equally to all those involved in the process, including Begaj, and are not related to any of his current functions.
" For the engagement of academic staff during the years 2013–2018, AFA, in accordance with the legislation in force and the by-laws regulating higher education and scientific research, has settled the outstanding financial obligations to all academic staff involved in this process during the years 2022 and 2024. The process has been carried out in an equitable, transparent manner and with complete financial and administrative documentation, which can be verified by any competent institution ," it says.
The Academy also underlines that there was no employment contract with Begaj in his capacity as President or senior state official, and calls on the media not to spread unverified information.
" AFA remains fully open to any verification by the responsible bodies and invites the media to exercise its mission based on verified facts, avoiding misinforming public opinion ," it further states.
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